Welcome to your final journey journey information for Lake Saimaa, Finland.
In the event you’re planning your Fiinish journey and looking for a rare pure escape, someplace you’ll be able to bathe, swim and unwind beside clear recent waters, you’ve landed in the correct place.
This journey information will reveal every thing you want to learn about visiting Lake Saimaa, together with methods to get there, one of the best locations to remain, and the highest actions you’ll be able to’t miss.
I’ve simply returned from 4 days exploring this space of Japanese Finland and I really feel SO replenished and impressed by the individuals and landscapes of Lake Saimaa. It’s actually a gem and I can’t wait to share my suggestions with you!
Finland is a rustic famend for its beautiful lakes and unspoiled wilderness and Lake Saimaa is an ideal instance of this. Spanning over 4,400 sq. kilometers, with over 14,000km of shoreline (the worlds longest lake shoreline), Lake Saimaa is Finland’s largest lake and the fourth largest in Europe.
Lake Saimaa is ideal for nature lovers, journey seekers, and anybody seeking to unwind in a serene setting (suppose cabins on lakes and foraging within the woods for dinner vibes).
Whether or not you’ve heard of Lake Saimaa for its lakeside cabins, its unbelievable fishing or as a habitat for the uncommon Saimaa ringed seal, this information will ensure you have all of the juicy suggestions and journey info to plan your good journey.
Are you able to discover one of the best issues to do in Lake Saimaa?
The Finest Option to Get To Lake Saimaa
Attending to Lake Saimaa is an journey, however contemplating you are feeling such as you’re in the midst of nowhere – it’s not that troublesome. It’s undoubtedly value it!
The closest main airport is Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, the place you’ll be able to take a commuter practice to Tikkurila (a couple of minutes) after which change to Mikkeli (round 2 hours).
Alternatively, you’ll be able to lease a automobile for the scenic 3-hour journey to the lake area. An alternative choice is to fly to Lappeenranta Airport, which is nearer and gives direct connections from a number of European cities.
The Finest Locations To Keep In Lake Saimaa
For lodging, the Lake Saimaa area boasts a variety of choices from cosy lakeside cottages and fashionable resorts to distinctive houseboats and tenting websites. There may be a lot selection!
Staying in a lakeside cottage (domestically often known as a ‘mökki’) is very really useful for an genuine Finnish expertise, providing the right mix of consolation and immersion in nature. Elsanranta Villas and Kanava Resort are two top-notch choices (that I stayed in) offering luxurious stays with beautiful lake views and fashionable facilities.
Browse Lake Saimaa lodging right here.
The very best time to go to Lake Saimaa
The very best time to go to Lake Saimaa is dependent upon what you need to do and expertise right here.
Summer season (June to August) is good for water actions, mountain climbing, and having fun with the midnight solar (yep a lot time for actions!). For winter sports activities lovers, the snowy months of December to February provide alternatives for ice fishing, cross-country snowboarding, and experiencing the Northern Lights.
I visited in June and we had a combination of climate however delicate temperatures good for having fun with the outside in.
Discover Linnansaari Nationwide Park and spot the Saimaa ringed seal!
Linnansaari Nationwide Park is a must-visit for out of doors lovers and the most effective issues to do in Lake Saimaa should you love journey!
The park is a labyrinth of a whole lot of islands and gives glorious mountain climbing trails, kayaking routes, and tenting spots. One factor you could do is take a ship tour to identify the elusive Saimaa ringed seal, an endangered species distinctive to this area. Many firms are providing it, we did ours with Kanava Resort.
We noticed an impressive Ospray too, properly our information did. They’re wonderful at recognizing the wildlife!
Keep at Landhaus Kekkola
Landhaus Kekkola is a pastel yellow colored, historic manor simply outdoors town of Mikkeli (the right beginning location should you get the practice to Mikkeli from Helsinki!).
The property has Finnish-German hosts, Janne and Manuela, and their youngsters are actually a part of the expertise. You are feeling such as you’re arriving to their dwelling (you kinda are) and so they make you are feeling at dwelling instantly.
Keep right here welcomes you to benefit from the basic rural lakeside ambiance of their household environment, it’s a really zen expertise. There are additionally a number of actions and horse stables on the grounds.
My favorite half? The lakeside sauna and personal lake for swimming. Guide right here.
Go to Olavinlinna Citadel
Olavinlinna Citadel is situated within the city of Savonlinna and is considered one of Finland’s most iconic landmarks. This medieval fortress, constructed within the fifteenth century, sits majestically on a rocky islet in Lake Saimaa. An excellent lovely location certainly and an opportunity to cube into some historical past.
I like to recommend you’re taking a guided tour to find out about its fascinating historical past and revel in views from the towers.
Go on a canoeing or kayaking Journey
Canoeing on Lake Saimaa to benefit from the crystal-clear waters and numerous islands is among the finest issues to do in Lake Saimaa.
There are quite a few rental providers and guided excursions out there, catering to all talent ranges. You received’t be caught for selection!
Paddle by means of slim straits, alongside forests and uncover hidden seashores. Getting on the water is the right benefit from the peace of the Finnish wilderness.
Strive the fish caught within the lake!
Through the winter months, many will drink from the lake due to how clear the water is.
This makes for a wholesome ecosystem and a few of the freshest catches on the market. Two of the most well-liked (and plentiful) fish within the lake are Vendace and Pike.
A lot of the eating places we ate at in Lake Saimaa featured these locally-caught fish on their menu!
The most effective issues to do in Lake Saimaa is to attempt the native delicacies!
Loosen up in a Conventional Finnish Sauna
No journey to Finland is full with out experiencing a conventional Finnish sauna. Critically.
Many lodging round Lake Saimaa provide non-public saunas so alternatives are positive to come up in your journey. Alternatively you’ll be able to go to public saunas just like the distinctive floating sauna in Savonlinna.
After heating up, I at all times go for a refreshing dip within the lake – an invigorating custom cherished by locals and guests alike.
Hike the Punkaharju Ridge
The Punkaharju Ridge is a pure surprise and considered one of Finland’s nationwide landscapes situated just below 4 hours northeast of Helsinki. Punkaharju is a tranquil land of birch and spruce bushes, pristine waters and clear, crisp air – all the great issues in stay (is it a surprise Finland have been voted the happiest nation on the earth 7 years in a row?).
This slim strip of land lies between two lakes and gives scenic trails for mountain climbing, strolling and biking. The views are mentioned to be outrageous!
The Harjureitti Path is a path you are able to do right here that’s 4 km lengthy and simply accessible for almost all of the route. The path will often elevate and provide beautiful views of the Punkaharju nationwide panorama so to get completely different views on this surprise!
Expertise Ice Fishing in Winter
In the event you’re visiting throughout winter, ice fishing on Lake Saimaa is an expertise to not be missed. Native guides will give you the entire needed gear and experience that will help you catch fish by means of the thick ice. Fishing lover goals!
Ice fishing a singular and serene approach to join with Finnish tradition and the pure great thing about this frozen lake.
Guide a spa day at Järvisydän
On the shores of Lake Saimaa, adjoining to Linnansaari Nationwide Park, you’ll discover a wellness lovers paradise within the type of Järvisydän.
We took a ship taxi from Kanava Resort (30 minute boat or 1.5 hour drive) and spent the day bathing within the outdoors swimming pools, a number of saunas, rainforest bathe and steam rooms. I’ve to say, architecturally, its ones of essentially the most lovely spas I’ve ever been to.
They’ve weaved nature into each factor with the vast majority of the spa and restaurant composed of wooden, stone and pure components.
Other than the spa facilities, the resort additionally supplies comfy distinctive lodging in villas, Surroundings Suites, and houseboats so it is a nice choice for lodging!
The historical past of the resort dates again to 1658 and has been handed down by means of the generations so the employees have many a narrative to inform!
Journey tip:
The lunch right here is buffet type and is WELL value staying for after your spa day.
Attend the Savonlinna Opera Pageant
Held yearly in July, the Savonlinna Opera Pageant is a cultural spotlight within the Lake Saimaa area so should you’re planning your journey in the summertime – it could be value including this to your itinerary!
The pageant takes place within the historic Olavinlinna Citadel (the one on the island i discussed beforehand), providing a magical setting for world-class opera performances.
Kayaking at Pistohiekka Resort
Pistohiekka is definitely a part of the Saimaa UNESCO World Geopark and is among the best seashore resorts on the shores of Lake Saimaa.
The encompassing nature is uniquely lovely, providing a mess of actions to get pleasure from for days and even weeks. You’ll be able to take pleasure in mountain climbing, kayaking, biking, fishing, or crusing. Nevertheless, there may be additionally nothing flawed with merely enjoyable on the seashore and taking within the beautiful surroundings.
The resort includes two predominant buildings (see image beneath taken from the restaurant) and ten cottages for lodging. The seashore restaurant, boasting a implausible lake view, is famend for its Finnish wooden structure and is a well-liked attraction in its personal proper. Opened in June 2022, the resort has already been featured in main worldwide structure and design magazines – it’s not onerous to see why!!!
Observe: attempt considered one of their Finnish cardamom buns!
Guide your keep right here.
Keep at Elsanranta Villas
For an expensive keep and a retreat from the sounds of town, think about Elsanranta Villas. These weren’t low cost however they have been INCREDIBLE. The eye to element was insane and I can think about coming right here for every week to only completely change off in luxurious.
Every Elsanranta villa gives an unobstructed view of Lake Saimaa, permitting you to immerse your self in nature whereas enjoyable within the villa, pool, or sauna.
The lounge space encompasses a luxurious double mattress a settee and all the small print to nourish your thoughts physique and soul. Theres a personal sauna within the rest room, a espresso machine with some unbelievable beans and… even a soda stream!!!
There was a B&O speaker to animate your keep and in addition a pair of binoculars on the desk once you arrive so you’ll be able to preserve an eye fixed out for the uncommon Saimaa Ringed Seal.
The expansive deck is furnished with a seating space and a deluxe drop pool (pictured beneath), the place you’ll be able to admire the starlit sky and, if lucky, witness the northern lights.
It was a real pleasure to remain right here – the type of place you don’t need to go away.
Have dinner or lunch at Koskivahti Restaurant
Only a 5-minute stroll from the villas talked about within the earlier spotlight is that this beautiful little lakeside restaurant. Sahanlahti Resort eating is based on high-quality, recent, native merchandise and a dedication to moral and accountable farming and it was evident in each mouthful we loved.
The talent and dedication of these rising and making ready your meals are evident in each dish served up. The restaurant is a five-star D.O. Saimaa ‘We Help’ institution, and Koskivahti has been voted as having essentially the most lovely terrace view in Finland.
Under you’ll see the recent fish dish of the day, the INSANE tomato salad and the view from the surface deck.
Guide a foraging expertise with Uhkua
Once you guide a foraging expertise, Asta and Ilkka warmly welcome you to their charming lakeside farm Uhkua, the place you’ll be able to expertise the agricultural lifetime of the Lake Saimaa area. They stay right here off the grid with no water and have created a easy however nourishing life utilising the forests and soils that encompass them.
Throughout a guided wild meals expertise, you get to style the best delicacies the area has to supply and we cooked ours up on the out of doors hearth.
Chef Ilkka Arvola, a pioneer of native delicacies, is a patron of Finland’s first designation of origin label, D.O. Saimaa and guides the expertise seamlessly, sharing knowledge generously that will help you join with the land round you.
This was the most effective issues to do in Lake Saimaa – 100%.
Loosen up at Kanava Resort
Kanava Resort gives an ideal mix of consolation and nature. Situated proper by the water, the resort options cosy cabins, a restaurant with native delicacies, and varied out of doors actions you can have interaction in. Time right here for visitors is spent mountain climbing, fishing, or just enjoyable by the lake, and your evenings? Unwinding within the sauna after all.
We stayed in one of many lake entrance cabins right here and the non-public saunas have been insane. Assume floor-to-ceiling glass home windows with views throughout the lake.
My favorite half although, the way in which the beds are designed to face out to the forest and you may get up to the lake each morning. Considered one of my favorite locations I’ve ever woken up, see beneath!
This resort is the place we booked our Ringed seal boat journey and the place we took the boat over to the spa!
The restaurant, although quaint and quiet – served surprisingly fantastic meals!
Have you ever been to Lake Saimaa in Finland?
What are one of the best issues to do in Lake Saimaa? Something you’d add to this Lake Saimaa bucket listing?
Love as at all times and completely happy adventuring…Â